It took them a month to get going, but look out NFL, the Pittsburgh Steelers are on a roll and look awfully tough at the midway point of their 2011 season. The Steelers, of course, are coming off an impressive 25-17 win over the New England Patriots in Week 8. The score could have been much more lopsided had the Steelers been more efficient in the red zone. As is, the home victory still left a favorable impression in the minds of fans and pundits alike.
The Green Bay Packers have not relinquished their top spot atop every media outlet’s Power Rankings, but the Steelers are in the top 5 of every list and as high as No. 2 in some, including FOX Sports.
Pittsburgh Steelers
Record: 6-2
Ranking: No. 2
Last Week: No. 5
Commentary: Ben Roethisberger was brilliant vs. the Patriots in not only making the big play, but orchestrating an offense that maintained control of the clock for almost 40 minutes. The Steelers have the offensive weapons to take advantage of the Ravens’ defensive pressure package, and the Steelers’ defense is back to its old tricks.
We’ll see if the Steelers are able to enact revenge on the Baltimore Ravens for the drubbing they handed Pittsburgh in Week 1. Might be tough considering the rash of injuries to the Steelers linebacking corps. But overcoming injuries is nothing new for Mike Tomlin’s teams, so don’t count them out this coming weekend, even if LaMarr Woodley, James Farrior and James Harrison are all unable to go.
For more Steelers news and commentary, head on over to Behind the Steel Curtain.